Texas Gov. Rick Perry gave an enthusiastic opening speech on the second day of the Conservative Political Action Conference (The Associated Press)

Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) led off the second day of the Conservative Political Action Conference on Friday with a rousing speech that was one of the best-received of the conference so far.

Perry hit on themes similar to those he espoused prior to running for president -- specifically, a federal government that is far more limited than it is now and doesn't do things that aren't contained in the Constitution.

"It is inherent in human nature, once given power, to never give it back. And let me tell you something, this human tendency is a bipartisan offense," Perry said. "It is time for Washington to focus on the few things the Constitution establishes as the federal government's (duties)."

Among the things Perry said the government should do: "Deliver the mail, do it on time and, heck, do it on Saturdays."

Perry ran what was, by all accounts, a disastrous 2012 presidential campaign, but he's retiring as governor this year and has made clear he's looking at running for president again.

The crowd rose to its feet as Perry's speech came to a close and applauded as he yelled his final lines.

"You represent the renewed hope that America can be renewed again," Perry said.

Aaron Blake covers national politics and writes regularly for The Fix.

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